Robert George Holmes

In Loving Memory of Robert “Bob” Holmes (1946–2025)

Robert “Bob” Holmes passed away peacefully on 29 September 2025 in Puyallup, Washington, aged 79, with his wife Margie and daughter Christy by his side.

Born on 20 June 1946 in Youngstown, Ohio, to Katherine and James Holmes, Bob grew up as the younger brother to James (“Jim”) Holmes. With his father in the military, Bob’s childhood spanned many bases in the USA, Japan and Germany.

Bob attended San José State University, earning a degree in Electronic Engineering. During his university years, he joined ROTC and, upon graduation, served two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant before being honorably discharged on 6 December 1969. He returned to San José State to complete an MBA, blending his analytical mind with a growing interest in leadership.

He worked in Silicon Valley at Fairchild Semiconductor. Across roles in engineering and management, it was always the hands-on engineering work that most captivated him.

It was at Fairchild that Bob met Margie. Initially colleagues and friends, they reconnected years later and fell in love. On 8 December 1979, they were married in Monterey, California, and Bob became a devoted stepfather to Christy. The family resided in Milpitas, CA, where they spent years roaming the natural wonders of the West Coast - especially Yosemite, a cherished annual pilgrimage. Many of these adventures were shared with lifelong friends Russ and Debbie Dean and their three children.

In 1984, Bob accepted a transfer and the family moved to Puyallup, Washington, making many wonderful new friends. Dan and Janyce Suckow, Ron and Vickie Gehl, Bruce and Ruth Geeson among them. As an unabashed adventurer and adrenaline junkie, Bob found joy in hiking, camping, mountain climbing and was always game to try something new - skydiving and bungee jumping among them. He was also a keen runner, competing in local races for many years, and he loved to ski, proudly teaching Christy and becoming her lifelong ski buddy. Bob, Margie, and Christy continued to meet-up with Russ and Debbie often, discovering new places together and deepening their bond.

He loved spaghetti at The Old Spaghetti Factory - and he had a sweet tooth for ice cream, and peach cobbler. Each summer he looked forward to Bordeaux Cherry ice cream, a seasonal treat he savored.

Bob retired in 2012 at age 65. He and Margie bought a motorhome and enjoyed seeing the United States, fulfilling a shared dream of the open road. Some of his happiest memories in later years were visiting Christy, his son in law Haydn, and his three grandchildren in Sydney, Australia, where he delighted in joining whatever adventurous activity was on offer. With his grandchildren, he especially loved playing games and teaching new skills.

A lover of softball, Bob played on a senior team in retirement, where he formed close friendships with Bruce Geeson, and Steve Starr. With these friends, he also reconnected with his faith, joining a men’s Bible study group then Dan and Cynthia’s Life Group on Friday nights that became a source of fellowship and strength.

In 2017, Bob was diagnosed with vascular dementia. Margie cared for him at home for many years until in 2022 he moved to a memory care center. Margie visited most days. Even when Bob could no longer recall her name, he always recognized her as his special visitor, and every now and then a fleeting spark of deeper recognition would light his eyes. Those moments were gifts - quiet, precious, and felt deeply.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Margie; his brother, Jim; his daughter, Christy; his son-in-law, Haydn; and his three grandchildren, who will forever carry his spirit of adventure and kindness forward. He will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his playful sense of humor, and his unwavering devotion to family and friends.

To join the service remotely click the link below:

https://player.memoryshare.com/video/robert-holmes-tacoma-wa